Two- and three-color STORM analysis reveals higher-order assembly of leukotriene synthetic complexes on the nuclear envelope of murine neutrophils.

Over the last several years it has become clear that higher order assemblies on membranes, exemplified by signalosomes, are a paradigm for the regulation of many membrane signaling processes. We have recently combined two-color direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) with the (Clus-DoC) algorithm that combines cluster detection and colocalization analysis to observe the organization of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) into higher order assemblies on the nuclear envelope of mast cells; these assemblies were linked to leukotriene (LT) C4 production. In this study we investigated whether higher order assemblies of 5-LO and FLAP included cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and were linked to LTB4 production in murine neutrophils. Using two- and three-color dSTORM supported by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy we identified higher order assemblies containing 40 molecules (median) (IQR: 23, 87) of 5-LO, and 53 molecules (62, 156) of FLAP monomer. 98 (18, 154) molecules of cPLA2 were clustered with 5-LO, and 77 (33, 114) molecules of cPLA2 were associated with FLAP. These assemblies were tightly linked to LTB4 formation. The activation-dependent close associations of cPLA2, FLAP, and 5-LO in higher order assemblies on the nuclear envelope support a model in which arachidonic acid is generated by cPLA2 in apposition to FLAP, facilitating its transfer to 5-LO to initiate LT synthesis.

Effects of COX inhibitors on responsiveness of the tracheal tract to acetylcholine and histamine and their relationship with LTC4 and PGE2 levels of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in allergic Guinea pigs.

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intervene in the COX (cyclooxygenase) pathways which generate two important inflammation mediators, prostaglandins (PGs) and leukotriene (LTs). Contradictory claims regarding the effect of NSAIDs in asthmatic patients continues to be an issue. The present study investigated the effects of COX inhibitors on the responsiveness of the tracheal tract and on the levels of LTC4 and PGE2 in cells of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in an allergic guinea pig model.Materials and Methods: Adult male Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (250 - 300 g) were divided into seven groups of six animals each. Four COX inhibitors, aspirin (200 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg), ketoprofen (10 mg/kg), and celecoxib (25 mg/kg), were given orally on day 17 to allergy induced guinea pigs at 0, 12, and 24 h before ovalbumin challenge on day 18. PGF2 and LT4 were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as inflammatory cell count and total protein. Tracheal responsiveness to acetylcholine (Ach) and histamine (His) also was evaluated.Results: An augment in the response of the trachea to Ach and His, as well as overt allergenic signs including short breath, wheezing and sneezing, was observed. The most significant increase in tracheal hyper-responsiveness was observed in the ketoprofen-treated group with similar but less pronounced changes observed in the indomethacin-treated group. Although some variables increased with the aspirin and celecoxib treatments, overall the tracheal sensitivity was reduced. Inflammatory cells including eosinophils and neutrophils corresponded to the changes observed for each treatment group.Conclusion: Ketoprofen and indomethacin increased the tracheal sensibility to Ach and His; therefore, their administration is not recommended in patients susceptible to allergy.

Metabolic profiling of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model rats and the interventional effects of HuaTanJiangQi decoction using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MSE.

The occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will lead to physiological and pathological variations and endogenous metabolic disorders. A traditional Chinese medicine formula, HuaTanJiangQi decoction (HTJQ), exhibits an unambiguous therapeutic effect on COPD in China. Nevertheless, the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on COPD is not clear. With this purpose, pulmonary function, histopathological and the inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in rats model of COPD were investigated. Then, ultra high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) analysis and multivariate statistical analysis were used to further reveal the mechanism of HTJQ therapeutic effect on COPD via metabolomics study. The results showed that the characteristics of lung tissues were significantly reversed, the concentration of LTB4 and LTC4 were gradually decreased, and the lung function began to recover after HTJQ treatment. These typical indicators of COPD in HTJQ intervention group were reversed similar to the control group, suggested that HTJQ has a therapeutic effect on COPD. Moreover, 32 dysregulated metabolites, including Thromboxane a2, Sphingosine 1-phosphate, PC(18:2(9Z,12Z)/18:1(11Z)), Leukotriene B4, Glutathione, Arachidonic acid, Sphingosylphosphocholine acid, N-Acetyl-leukotriene e4, Lysopc(18:1(11Z)), L-Cysteine, and Guanosine diphosphate. All the altered metabolites were associated with the onset and development of COPD, and involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism, which were significantly changed in rats model with COPD. Generally, these findings provide a systematic view of metabolic changes linked to the onset and development of COPD, also indicated that HTJQ could provide satisfactory therapeutic effects on COPD and metabolomics study can be utilized to further understand the molecular mechanisms.

Parameters of lung inflammation in asthmatic as compared to healthy children in a contaminated city.

BACKGROUND: The impact of air pollution on the respiratory system has been estimated on the basis of respiratory symptoms and lung function. However; few studies have compared lung inflammation in healthy and asthmatics children exposed to high levels of air pollution. The aim of the study was to elucidate the modulatory effect of air pollution on Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) levels in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) among healthy and asthmatic children. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional comparative study. Children between 7-12 years of age, asthmatics and non-asthmatics, residents of a city with high levels of PM10 were included. In all cases, forced spirometry, Cys-LTs levels in EBC, and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire were evaluated. We also obtained average of PM10, CO, SO2 and O3 levels during the period of the study by the State Institute of Ecology. RESULTS: We studied 103 children (51 asthmatics and 52 non-asthmatics). Cys-LTs levels were higher in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics (77.3 ± 21.6 versus 60.3 ± 26.8 pg/ml; p = 0.0005). Also, Cys-LTs levels in children with intermittent asthma were lower than in children with persistent asthma (60.4 ± 20.4 versus 84.7 ± 19.2 pg/ml; p = 0.0001). In the multiple regression model, factors associated with levels of Cys-LTs were passive smoking (ß = 13.1, p 0.04) and to be asthmatic (ß = 11.5, p 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Cys-LTs levels are higher in asthmatic children than in healthy children in a contaminated city and its levels are also associated with passive smoking.

Anti-inflammatory terpenes from flowers of Inula japonica.

Five new terpenes (1-5) and ten known compounds (6-15) were isolated from Inula japonica, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 3 and 14 showed positive inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production. Furthermore, compound 14 suppressed both leukotriene C4 synthesis and degranulation in c-kit ligand-induced bone marrow-derived mast cells.

Synthesis of leukotrienes in porcine uteri with endometritis induced by infection with Escherichia coli.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are lipid mediators that play a significant role in the inflammatory process. Their production in inflamed uteri is not fully understood. The present experiment aimed to determine LTB4 and LTC4 amounts, 5-lipooxygenase (5-LO), LTA4 hydrolase (LTAH) and LTC4 synthase (LTCS) mRNA levels and protein expression in inflamed porcine uteri. On Day 3 of the oestrous cycle (Day 0 of the study), either Escherichia coli suspension or saline were infused into uterine horns. Collection of uterine tissues and washings took place eight or sixteen days later. In gilts suffering from endometritis increased LTB4 and LTC4 levels in the endometrium and washings and 5-LO mRNA levels in the myometrium on Days 8 and 16, 5-LO protein levels in the endometrium and myometrium on Day 8, LTAH mRNA and protein levels in the endometrium and myometrium on Days 8 and 16, respectively. Although LTCS mRNA and protein expression in the myometrium and LTCS protein expression in the endometrium were enhanced on Day 16 after Escherichia coli inoculation, LTCS mRNA levels decreased on Day 8 in both tissues. Our study shows the upregulation of LT production in inflamed porcine uteri, which suggests the importance of these factors to the process of uterine inflammation.

Immunomagnetic molecular probe with UHPLC-MS/MS: a promising way for reliable bronchial asthma diagnostics based on quantification of cysteinyl leukotrienes.

A sensitive and precise method for simultaneous quantification of cysteinyl leukotrienes (=cys LTs) - leukotriene C4 (=LTC4), leukotriene D4 (=LTD4) and leukotriene E4 (=LTE4) - essential biomarkers of bronchial asthma present in exhaled breath condensate (=EBC) was developed. An immunomagnetic molecular probe was prepared by anchoring cysteinyl leukotrienes antibody on the surface of functionalized monodispersed magnetic particles and used to selectively isolate cys LTs from biological matrices - EBC, plasma and urine. Immobilization and the immunoaffinity capture procedures were optimized to maximize the amount of separated cys LTs, which were detected "off-beads" after acidic elution by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS operated in a multiple reaction monitoring mode. The developed method was characterized with high precision ≤13.6% (intra-day precision determined as RSD) and ≤14.5% (inter-day precision determined as RSD), acceptable accuracy ≤18.5% (determined as RE), and high recovery of immunoseparation (≥93.1%) in aforementioned biological matrices. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on EBC, plasma and urine clinical samples of patients with various subtypes of bronchial asthma (occupational, steroid-resistant, moderate with and without corticosteroids therapy) and healthy subjects where reasonable differences in cys LTs concentration levels were found. Combining extremely selective immunomagnetic separation with highly sensitive and precise detection step, the developed method was used to aid diagnosis, predict the most effective therapy, and monitor the response to treatment. The detection of elevated inflammatory mediators (cys LTs) in EBC of subjects with relatively asymptomatic asthma and normal pulmonary function tests could offer a novel way for monitoring the lung inflammation and perhaps initiating treatment in an earlier stage.

Leukotrienes B4, C4, D4 and E4 in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC), blood and urine in patients with pneumoconiosis.

Leukotrienes (LTs) are involved in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis and were increased in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of the patients with pneumoconiosis. However the possible influence of extra-pulmonary disorders on the EBC markers is not known. Therefore in parallel with EBC, LTs' levels in the plasma and urine were measured in patients with pneumoconiosis (45 × asbestos exposure, 37 × silica exposure) and in 27 controls. Individual LTs B4, C4, D4 and E4 were measured by liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). In EBC, LT D4 and LT E4 were increased in both groups of patients (p<0.001 and p<0.05), comparing with the controls. Both LT B4 and cysteinyl LTs were elevated in asbestos-exposed subjects (p<0.05). Asbestosis with more severe radiological signs (s1/s2-t3/u2) and lung functions impairment has shown higher cysteinyl LTs and LT C4 in the EBC (p<0.05) than mild asbestosis (s1/s0-s1/s1). In addition, in the subjects with asbestosis, cysteinyl LTs in EBC correlated with TLC (-0.313, p<0.05) and TLCO/Hb (-0.307, p<0.05), and LT C4 with TLC (-0.358, p<0.05). In pneumoconioses, EBC appears the most useful from the 3 fluids studied.

Over-expression of the LTC4 synthase gene in mice reproduces human aspirin-induced asthma.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of aspirin-induced asthma (AIA) is presumed to involve the aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced abnormal metabolism of arachidonic acid, resulting in an increase in 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolites, particularly leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4) ). However, the role of LTC(4) in the development of AIA has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the lipid product LTC(4) secreted by the 5-LO pathway to the pathogenesis of AIA. METHODS: To evaluate antigen-induced airway inflammation, the concentrations of T-helper type 2 cytokine in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from LTC(4) synthase-transgenic (Tg) and wild-type (WT) mice after challenge with ovalbumin were measured. Subsequently, the ex vivo and in vivo effects of the NSAID sulpyrine were investigated in these Tg and WT mice by measuring the secretion of LTC(4) from sulpyrine-treated BAL cells and the levels of LTC(4) in BALF following challenge with sulpyrine. Finally, the sulpyrine-induced airway response by the administration of pranlukast, an antagonist of the cysteinyl (cs)-LT1 receptor, was analysed. RESULTS: The concentrations of IL-4, -5, and -13 in BALF from Tg mice were significantly higher than those in WT mice. In addition, sulpyrine augmented the secretion of LTC(4) in BALF and by BAL cells in Tg mice, but not in WT mice. Additionally, the increased airway resistance induced by sulpyrine could be reduced by treatment with pranlukast. Furthermore, the secretion of LTC(4) from mast cells, eosinophils, and macrophages was increased in the allergen-stimulated LTC(4) synthase gene Tg mice, even in the absence of sulpyrine, as well as in BAL cells after sulpyrine. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The over-expression of the LTC(4) synthase in a mouse asthma model also replicates the key features of AIA. And our study supports that cys-LTs play a major role in the pathogenesis of AIA in patients with chronic asthma.

[Effects of polydatin on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of three different doses of polydatin (PD) on pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in rats induced by bleomycin. METHOD: One hundred and twenty-nine healthy Sprague-Dawley rats three months old, were randomly divided into six groups. Group A: normal control group; group B: model group treated with bleomycin (pretreatment with saline 1 mL x kg(-1) intraperitoneally before bleomycin); group C: PD 10 mg x kg(-1) (pretreatment with PD 10 mg x kg(-1) intraperitoneally before bleomycin); group D: PD 20 mg x kg(-1) (pretreatment with PD 20 mg x kg(-1) intraperitoneally before bleomycin); group E: PD 40 mg x kg(-1) (pretreatment with PD 40 mg x kg(-1) intraperitoneally before bleomycin), group F: dexamethason (DXM) treated group (pretreatment with saline 1 mL x kg(-1) intraperitoneally before bleomycin and then with DXM 1 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). At day 3, 7, 14, 28 after injection of bleomycin, eight rats in each group were randomly chosen to be killed. The right lungs of dead rats were removed and appropriately processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, histologically observed under light microscope. The hydroxyproline content and the PLA2 activity in pulmonary homogenate were measured with alkaline hydrolysis assay and acid modified microtitrimetic method. The levels of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT: At day 3, 7, 14, 28 after intratracheal instillation of bleomycin in rats of group B, the PLA2 activity in lung homogenate and the levels of its metabolic products PGE2, LTC4 as well as TGF-beta1 in BALF increased significantly compared with those in group A (P < 0.01). And lung hydroxyproline concentration began to grow up markedly at day 7 compared with those in group A (P < 0.05), reaching its maximum at day 28. Compared with group B, three different doses of PD and DXM significantly reduced the activity of the PLA2 and hydroxyproline concentration in lung homogenate as well as the levels of PGE2, LTC4, TGF-beta1 in BALF at various periods (P < 0.05). There was statistically significant difference between three different doses of PD groups (P < 0.05). And the group E (PD 40 mg x kg(-1)) was lower than group D (PD 20 mg x kg(-1)), group D was lower than group C (PD 10 mg x kg(-1)) (respectively, P < 0.01). Group E and DXM group were no significant difference. However, all these observation parameters were higher than the normal level (compared with group A, P < 0.01). Histological studies revealed that it was showed less inflammation and a lower degree of fibrosis in the lungs treated with PD than bleomycin model group. CONCLUSION: PD has the protective effect on pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. However, it can't completely block the process of pulmonary fibrosis.

Concentration of 14,15-leukotriene C4 (eoxin C4) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

BACKGROUND: There has been no information about the concentration of 14,15-leukotriene C4, which is generated by 15- and 12-lipoxygenase and has been recently named eoxin C4, in biological fluids. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical concentrations of eoxin C4 in various respiratory inflammatory diseases, we quantified eoxin C4 in relation to the concentrations of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (CysLTs) and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). METHODS: BALF fluid was obtained from patients with a number of inflammatory lung diseases. Eoxin C4 and CysLTs were quantified by enzyme immunoassay in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography. Eoxin C4 immunoassay does not detect eoxin D4 or eoxin E4. 15-HETE was quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using (18)O-labeled compounds as an internal standard. RESULTS: The concentration of eoxin C4 (median 1.4, range <1.12-6.7 pg/mL) was significantly lower than that of eoxin C4 or CysLTs (P<0.0001). The concentration of 15-HETE significantly correlated with those of LTC4 and CysLTs or the number and the percentage of eosinophils in BALF. On the other hand, eoxin C4 concentration did not correlate with eosinophil number or CysLTs concentration in BALF. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study demonstrating the presence of eoxin C4 in human biological fluids. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the pathophysiological role of eoxin C4 in some respiratory inflammatory diseases.

Lipoxin A4 generation is decreased in aspirin-sensitive patients in lysine-aspirin nasal challenge in vivo model.

BACKGROUND: Lipoxins represent a group of lipoxygenase derived eicosanoids which, in contrast to leukotrienes, are potent anti-inflammatory mediators. The aim of our study was to determine lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) and leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) levels in nasal lavages after intranasal challenge with aspirin in aspirin intolerant (AIA) in comparison to aspirin tolerant (ATA) asthmatics and after allergen challenge in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Twelve AIA, 8 ATA and 20 allergic patients were challenged with placebo, 16 mg of lysine-aspirin (Lys-ASA) or allergen (grasses). Nasal lavages were collected and eicosanoids' levels were determined using ELISA. RESULTS: Clinically positive Lys-ASA challenge in AIA resulted in influx of leukocytes (eosinophils and basophils) to nasal secretions and increase of LTC(4) to 106.82 pg/ml (P < 0.05 vs baseline (26.58 pg/ml)) on first hour after the challenge. We did not observe any differences in LTC(4) level before and after ASA challenge in ATA. In AIA group the mean level of LXA(4) was 43 +/- 21.5 pg/ml after placebo and decreased in 2 h after Lys-ASA challenge (29 +/- 17 pg/ml, P = 0.015). We found an increase in LXA(4) in ATA after ASA provocation as compared to placebo (33 +/- 16 pg/ml vs 52 +/- 31 pg/ml, P = 0.046). In atopic patients baseline level of LXA(4) was 33.49 +/- 16.95 pg/ml with no difference after the clinically positive allergen challenge (36.22 +/- 13.26 pg/ml, P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Results of our study confirm that AIA have diminished LXs' biosynthesis capacities in vivo after ASA challenge. Taking into consideration anti-inflammatory properties of lipoxins this phenomenon may be partially responsible for the development of chronic inflammation in AIA patients.

Anti-allergic activity of an ethanol extract from Salviae miltiorrhiza.

As part of an ongoing investigation aimed at the discovery of novel bioactive medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, the effects of an ethanolic extract from the parts of Salviae miltiorrhiza Bunge (ESM) were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo animal model analysis. ESM inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-1-dependent phases of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 3.96 microg/mL and 21.54 microg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ESM inhibited leukotriene C4 (LTC4) production with an IC50 value of 2.6 microg/mL. These results clearly demonstrated the dual COX-2 selective/5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity that ESM possessed. ESM strongly inhibited a degranulation reaction in a dose dependent manner within a BMMC system, with an IC50 value of 22.4 microg/mL. Additionally, ESM was tested in a rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction assay by oral administration (25 to 100 mg/kg). ESM dose-dependently inhibited the PCA reaction, which was activated by anti-dinirophenyl (DNP) IgE. These results suggested that ESM might be beneficial in regulating various allergic reactions.

Analysis of 927T > C CYSLTR1 and –444A > C LTC4S polymorphisms in children with asthma

Introduction: The cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) are potent inflammatory mediators in asthma. It has been suggested that the different response of patients to Cys-LTs inhibitors could be due to the presence of polymorphisms in the genes implicated in this pathway. Methods: In this study, polymorphisms 927T > CCYSLTR1 and –444A > C LTC4S were analysed in a Spanish population of 188 individuals (109 asthmatic children and 79 controls). Standardised history, skinprick tests and lung function measurements were performed in all patients. Genotypes were determined by sequencing after PCR amplification. Results: Differences were observed in 927T > CCYSLTR1, regarding the severity of asthma in males. A greater presence of allele C in the population with persistent asthma versus the control group (Fisher’sp-value = 0.001; Monte Carlo p-value = 0.003; OR:12.35; 95 %CI: 2.18-70.00) was observed. Differences were also detected in the combined study of both polymorphisms, among controls and asthmatic patients (Monte Carlo p-value = 0.0002). In the group of males with asthma, an increase of AC variant (–444A LTC4S and 927C CYSLTR1) and a reduction in the AT genetic combination were detected. Conclusions: The combined study of polymorphisms in genes of the leukotriene pathway could explain the differences observed in the studies reported on polymorphism –444A < C LTC4S individually analysed

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Histamine, but not leukotriene C4, is an essential mediator in cold urticaria wheals.

In addition to histamine, leukotriene C4 (LTC4) might also play a role in mediating cold urticaria wheals. To study the significance of LTC4 vs. histamine, 6 patients with cold urticaria were challenged with the ice cube test before and after ingestion of 10 mg cetirizine (antihistamine), 10 mg montelukast (leukotriene antagonist) or a combination of both drugs. Cetirizine diminished the cold-induced wheal by 50+/- 42%. Montelukast had no significant effect, and the combination of both drugs diminished the wheal by 37+/- 33%. Furthermore, a skin microdialysis technique detected the release of histamine in the cold-induced wheal, whereas no LTC4 release was detected. In conclusion, the antihistamine is effective and histamine is released, whereas the leukotriene antagonist is not effective and LTC4 is not released in the cold urticaria wheal.

A novel method for preserving human lungs using a super-cooling system.

PURPOSE: To ensure the suitable preservation of isolated lungs, a super-cooling system was used to cool water to temperatures as low as -5 degrees C without freezing. DESCRIPTION: After lung tissues were obtained from patients with lung cancer, they were kept at -5 degrees C or 4 degrees C for as many as 5 days, and then they were histologically and biochemically examined. To evaluate biochemical stability, tissues after storage were passively sensitized with immunoglobulin E and then incubated with anti-immunoglobulin-E antibody. EVALUATION: Although tissues preserved at -5 degrees C for 5 days had an almost normal appearance with intact cilia on bronchial epithelium and normal endothelium, tissues stored at 4 degrees C showed degradation of these structures. Single-stranded DNA, a sign of DNA cleavage, was frequently noted in tissues stored at 4 degrees C, but only rarely observed at -5 degrees C. A significant amount of cysteinyl-leukotrienes was generated from tissues stored at -5 degrees C for 3 days, but there was no response to antibody stimulation from tissues stored at 4 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Super-cooling systems may provide useful applications as a novel preserving method.

Evaluation and interference of serum and skin lesion levels of leukotrienes in patients with eczema.

To evaluate the levels of leukotrienes (LTs), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in patients with eczema and observe the effects inversed by mizolastine. Serum LTB4, LTC4, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma and urinary LTE4 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and LTB4, LTC4, LTE4 concentrations of cutis tissue were measured by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) in 10 eczema patients and 10 healthy volunteers. Eczema patients received mizolastine 10 mg once a day for 5 days, respectively, for comparison between before and after treatment. The above markers were assayed again after treatment. Serum LTB4, LTC4, IL-2, IFN-gamma and urinary LTE4 and skin tissue LTB4, LTC4, LTE4 levels in patients are higher than those in healthy volunteers significantly (P < 0.05). But serum IL-4 level did not show significant difference between patients and normal controls (P > 0.05). Mizolastine significantly reduced serum LTB4 and IFN-gamma levels as well as skin lesion LTB4, LTC4, LTE4 concentrations. LTs are involved in the pathogenesis of eczema. Mizolastine clearly reduces LTs levels in skin lesion.

Effects of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 gene disruption on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenases (COXs) play important roles in inflammation and carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to determine the effects of COX-1 and COX-2 gene disruption on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation. METHODS: Wild-type (WT), COX-1 and COX-2 heterozygous (COX-1+/- and COX-2+/-), and homozygous COX-deficient (COX-1-/- and COX-2-/-) mice were inoculated with H. pylori strain TN2 and killed after 24 weeks of infection. Uninfected WT and COX-deficient mice were used as controls. Levels of gastric mucosal inflammation, epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and cytokine expression were determined. RESULTS: COX deficiency facilitated H. pylori-induced gastritis. In the presence of H. pylori infection, apoptosis was increased in both WT and COX-deficient mice, whereas cell proliferation was increased in WT and COX-1-deficient, but not in COX-2-deficient, mice. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin-10 mRNA expression was elevated in H. pylori-infected mice, but only TNF-alpha mRNA expression was further increased by COX deficiency. Prostaglandin E2 levels were increased in infected WT and COX-2-deficient mice but were at very low levels in infected COX-1-deficient mice. Leukotriene (LT) B4 and LTC4 levels were increased to a similar extent in infected WT and COX-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: COX deficiency enhances H. pylori-induced gastritis, probably via TNF-alpha expression. COX-2, but not COX-1, deficiency suppresses H. pylori-induced cell proliferation.